Kevin Williams misses second straight day of practice

Rookie defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd didn’t get much work in the preseason because of a knee injury, but he may be starting for the Vikings in his regular season debut.

Kevin Williams missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday, raising the likelihood that he will miss the opener against the Lions on Sunday. Williams suffered a hyperextended right knee and other injuries when he was hit with a low block by 49ers guard Joe Looney in a preseason game. Williams was upset about the block at the time and he’s presumably still upset since the injury continues to be a problem.

Coach Leslie Frazier said Thursday that Williams is improving, but that his ability to work in Friday’s practice would go a long way toward determining his fate for Sunday. Frazier also explained some of what he needs to see from Williams.

“Just see him push up against people and move around a little bit,” Williams said, via Chip Scoggins of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “If we can get that and see how he responds to other guys pushing up against him, that would be a plus.”

Floyd would be the likely replacement if Williams can’t go, although Frazier said Letroy Guion is also a possibility at the position.